As had been reported by Stephen McGowan of the Scottish Daily Mail recently, Celtic are in the market for a left-back and the recruitment team are scouting the marketplace for a new left-sided defender for Brendan Rodgers as we speak. In addition, the journalist claims that Rodgers is seeking another winger and goalkeeper to add to that left-back once he has adequately replaced Carl Starfelt.
News has emerged this evening now that the Hoops are taking a keen interest in Nantes defender, Quentin Merlin. The man who can play as a standard left-back or wing-back if required is thought to be giving Mark Lawwell and co food for thought as we head into the final couple of weeks of this year’s summer transfer window.
Qarabag’s Marko Vesovic shoots the ball as Nantes’ Quentin Merlin looks on during the UEFA Europa League Group D football match between FC Nantes (FRA) and Qarabag FK (AZE) at The Beaujoire stadium in Nantes, France, on October 27, 2022. (Photo by SEBASTIEN SALOM-GOMIS/AFP via Getty Images)
According to Emmanuel Merceron, the Bhoys are looking at the player and are weighing up whether to make an approach or not. However, a report by the Daily Record has also stated that the Ligue 1 club know this to be the case and would be looking for upwards of £7 million for his services, should any club wish to solidify interest in the Frenchman.
It would be a hefty outlay for a fullback, but if Brendan Rodgers feels Merlin could improve his starting XI then he will spend the cash. The Irishman’s stated before he would spend money on the right player if the situation arose in the future. That seemed to be one of his pet gripes with Peter Lawwell in his last spell; not being allowed to spend his transfer budget to his own specification.
Nantes’ Egyptian forward Mostafa Mohamed celebrates with teammate Quentin Merlin after scoring his team’s first goal during the French L1 football match between FC Nantes and Toulouse FC at the Stade de la BeaujoireLouis Fonteneau in Nantes, western France on August 13, 2023. (Photo by Sebastien SALOM-GOMIS / AFP) (Photo by SEBASTIEN SALOM-GOMIS/AFP via Getty Images)
There could be a change coming very soon if this latest report is anything to go by.
Paul Gillespie
Meanwhile, check out Matt Corr speaking to the one and only Martin O’Neill on The Celtic Star Podcast…
